Cyber criminals exploit government schemes

A disturbing trend has emerged in the realm of cybercrime, as perpetrators operating from Delhi capitalise on public awareness of government welfare programmes. Exploiting the trust associated with well-established initiatives such as Amma Vodi, Cheyutha, YSR Kapu Nestham, YSR Vahana Mitra and Jagananna Vidya Deevena, these criminals pose as officials from the Amaravati Secretariat, targeting vulnerable populations.
The scammers leverage the familiarity of legitimate government schemes to gain the trust of individuals. Impersonating concerned officials, they contact those who claim to have not received benefits, enquiring about the reasons for non-receipt. Upon the mention of ineligible factors, the perpetrators abruptly disconnect, leaving victims in a state of urgency and confusion. Subsequently, the criminals directly contact the victims, promising swift application approval and fund disbursement. They send seemingly legitimate payment links, which, upon entering the victim’s UPI PIN, result in the unauthorised withdrawal of funds.
A recent case in Visakhapatnam, where a resident lost Rs 1 lakh, prompted swift reporting and a thorough investigation by the Visakhapatnam cybercrime police station. Cyber Crime Inspector R Someswara Rao and his team successfully tracked down and apprehended the alleged perpetrator near the Visakhapatnam RTC complex.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of any communication regarding government schemes. Individuals are advised to look for official government websites and contact details and to refrain from responding to unsolicited calls or messages. Any suspicious activity should be promptly reported to the cybercrime police station. Collective vigilance and proactive reporting are emphasised as crucial deterrents against such criminal activities.
Police Commissioner Dr. A Ravi Shankar underscored the knowledge about evolving cybercrime trends and educating oneself about safe online practices is paramount. The public is reminded that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Caution is advised, especially in financial transactions involving government schemes.